In St. Louis, Missouri, a police officer was caught on video slamming his forearm across the face of a handcuffed teenage suspect. Officer Rory Bruce was fired for the incident, which occurred last year, and was charged with assault.

But when Bruce’s trial began this week, the judge refused to watch the video from the police transport vehicle’s camera. Instead, Judge Theresa Counts Burke found him not guilty.

Judge Burke refused to tell local media why she didn’t watch the strongest piece of evidence in the case against the former cop. The head of the police union, Jeff Roorda, who is also a Missouri state legislator, fully agreed with her decision not to view the video because he believes videos should only be used to protect police, not hold them accountable. Roorda is now going to help Bruce get his job back.

If you feel your rights were violated during an arrest, call Centrone & Shrader, LLC at (813) 360-1LAW.